10 Tips to keep in mind when faced with an Emergency Situation
An emergency can happen at any moment, often when you least expect it.
But when disaster does strike – whether it be a motor or cycling accident, violent crime or any of the challenges we face today, try and remember the following tips which can aid in the survival of you, your loved ones and/or other victims.
- Don’t panic. Are you easily prone to stress? If so, repeat to yourself that you must not panic. Take a few deep breaths.
- Make sure you are in a safe position to offer help. DO NOT attempt to assist victims if you are in danger (for example, the building is on fire, traffic has not been controlled, or guns are being fired etc.)
- Remember the ABCs of Life Support:
- Airway always open
- Breath – assess the presence or absence of spontaneous breathing and to provide ventilation
- Circulation – assess pulselessness and to perform chest compression if safe to do so. If no pulse is present, call your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and then get assistance from a person certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques. REMEMBER, to be able to perform CPR effectively, it is essential to be properly trained.
- Check for bleeding. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If possible, wear health care gloves to protect yourself from direct contact with blood.
- Look for signs of shock and broken bones or fractures.
- Call local emergency services quickly. Know emergency numbers such as 084 124 (ER24) and try your best to describe the problem. Be sure to give your name, location, and the number of people involved.
- Check for emergency medical identification on the victim. Look on wrists and around their neck. Take action according to the info listed on their ICE ID. Call the emergency contact number. Make sure of any other information for example:- that the injured is on a blood thinner, or requests no blood transfusion, or has a private medical aid.
- Loosen any clothing that may restrict victim’s breathing or interfere with circulation.
- Never give an unconscious person anything by mouth.
- DO NOT move injured persons unless situation is life threatening. Keep victim still, quiet, and warm, except for heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Wear your ICE ID which contains your Medical Emergency Info at ALL times .
Order yours TODAY at www.iceid.co.za and receive it in less than a week!